Service Manager in Folkestone

Service Manager in Folkestone

Folkestone Full-Time 43791 - 43791 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage mental health services, ensuring high-quality support for individuals.
  • Company: Join Mental Health Matters, a national charity making a real difference in mental health.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days leave, and wellbeing resources.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in mental health while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in mental health services and strong leadership abilities required.

The predicted salary is between 43791 - 43791 £ per year.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and values‑driven Service Manager to join Mental Health Matters.

In this pivotal leadership role, you will provide visible and accountable leadership across our Safe Havens in Canterbury, Folkestone and Ramsgate, ensuring the delivery of safe, high‑quality and recovery‑focused support that helps people to live well and thrive.

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week | Salary: £39,357 with progression to £43,791 per annum | Location: Kent – covering services in Canterbury, Folkestone and Ramsgate.

About the role

You will hold full responsibility for the operational performance, quality, workforce and financial sustainability of your services, leading with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Working with significant delegated authority, you will make decisions that balance quality, safety, demand and resources, ensuring services remain responsive, effective and sustainable.

As a key leader within the organisation, you will create positive and inclusive cultures where people feel valued, supported and empowered to deliver outstanding person‑centred care.

You will lead and develop Team Managers and wider teams, ensuring high standards, continuous improvement and excellent outcomes for the people who use our services.

Alongside operational leadership, you will play an important role in supporting local growth and development, working closely with commissioners, partners and communities to position services within neighbourhood and place‑based models and to shape future opportunities for Mental Health Matters.

We believe everyone should have access to fair and accessible opportunities, and we are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are welcoming and inclusive for all.

During the application process, we may ask for some personal information to help us understand how we can make our recruitment practices as fair and accessible as possible.

Any information you provide will be treated confidentially and used solely for this purpose.

We value the unique experiences, perspectives and contributions that diversity brings and are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels respected, supported and able to be themselves.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced and compassionate leader who is passionate about delivering high‑quality mental health services and developing people to be at their best.

  • Experience of leading services and managing managers within mental health, health, social care or related environments.
  • A strong track record of delivering services against KPIs, contractual requirements and quality standards.
  • Experience of managing performance, workforce challenges and service improvement.
  • Experience of working with local partners, commissioners and stakeholders.
  • Financial awareness and experience of managing budgets and resources effectively.
  • Knowledge of governance, safeguarding, risk management and compliance frameworks.
  • Strong leadership skills, with the ability to support, challenge and develop others.
  • The ability to use data and insight to drive performance and continuous improvement.
  • Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
  • A commitment to recovery‑focused, person‑centred support and co‑production.
  • An authentic, values‑led leadership style that takes ownership, builds positive relationships and creates an environment where colleagues and the people we support feel respected, included and able to succeed.

Why Join Us?

Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity delivering innovative, life‑changing mental health support for individuals and communities across the UK.

Our workforce is the driving force behind our success, and we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and values‑led environment where talented individuals can thrive, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

What we offer you

Competitive salaries, with an annual pay review process; 25 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus bank holidays; enhanced occupational sick pay; access to our workplace pension scheme; family‑friendly and flexible working arrangements; access to our Wellbeing Offer – including EAP, Virtual GP service and wellbeing resources; life assurance and free will‑writing service; Blue Light Card and charity workers discounts; access to tickets for good; employee recognition and celebration schemes.

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Service Manager in Folkestone employer: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive environment for aspiring nephrologists. With a focus on professional development, extensive training, and opportunities for research and teaching, employees can thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful patient care in a vibrant community. The work culture promotes collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in healthcare.

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Contact Details:

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Folkestone

Dive into Local Community Groups

Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

Attend Social Work Events and Workshops

Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board!

Showcase Your Passion and Expertise

Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, will notice your enthusiasm!

Leverage Your Network

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.

We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Folkestone

Leadership Skills
Operational Performance Management
Quality Assurance
Workforce Development
Financial Management
KPI Delivery
Service Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.

Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!

Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!

Tailor Your Application to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Understanding the Role of Empathy

In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.

Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks

Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.

Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills

In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.